A former software developer and IT consultant has taken over the top role at Rainbows hospice for children and young people.

Andy Campbell, 53, from Stapleton, this week took over as chief executive of the hospice which supports life-limited youngsters and their families from across the east midlands.

A long-time supporter of the Loughborough-based service, Mr Campbell, who is married to midwife Nic, with five grown-up children, follows retired chief executive Geoff Ellis, who will remain in a supporting role until the end of March.

Mr Campbell, who previously lived in Barwell and Bagworth, has spent since last September working alongside Mr Ellis and learning about the hospice from the inside in preparation for taking over the reins of the organisation this month.

He will be responsible for the financial management of the hospice, which is run by a board of trustees, and supported by a network of thousands of volunteers across the East Midlands.

Mr Campbell said: “Rainbows has an exceptional care team and they do a fantastic job, without me.

“My role is to ensure that Rainbows runs as efficiently and effectively as possible and to make the best use of people’s amazing generosity by proper stewardship of its finances.”

Mr Campbell has worked with hundreds of different charities in his capactity as software developer and IT consultant, having developed a package specifically aimed at managing finances for charitable organisations.

After selling his business two years ago, he decided he wanted a different career direction and leapt at the chance of applying for the Rainbows role.

He said: “It’s such a fantastic cause. Being able to provide care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and making a real impact on them and their families is just amazing.

“I have five grown-up children, with the youngest two at university, and a grandson, with another grandchild on the way.

“I was at the bedside of my parents when they died in recent years. You shouldn’t have to do that with your children.

“There are hundreds of children and young people across the East Midlands who would qualify for the care and services that Rainbows provides but who we cannot provide services to because there is not enough time or sufficient resources.

“We need to work out how best to do that, how to continue from where Geoff has brought us.

“It is early days but standing still is not an option. There is a lot we still want to do.”

Former chief executive Mr Ellis said: “I wish Andy every success for the future and am delighted to welcome him to the role.

“I am confident that he will be a first class chief executive for the hospice.”